Toronto Maple Leafs exit holiday break looking like a balanced contender

Toronto Maple Leafs are well-positioned in the NHL standings. They are starting to build a resume of what looks like a Stanley Cup contender. Toronto has had a knack for dominating the average NHL opponent for some time now. However, they have a checkered postseason past and regular-season play matters less now than in previous seasons.

The reputation of the Toronto Maple Leafs as a high-flying offensive team has faded. Their defensive play has significantly improved. They are one of most underrated defencemen in the NHL. The team's goal suppression is a big reason they are well-situated to qualify for the postseason again this year. They need depth players on cheap contracts to produce. It's the byproduct of their cap allocation, which skews top-heavy.

Toronto Maple Leafs are 12th on the power play this season. Auston Matthews, John Tavares and William Nylander account for 81% of their scoring on their powerplay.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a dangerous shot profile on the power play. Last year, Toronto led the league in scoring on this unit.

Toronto Maple Leafs are a balanced team. They have the league's 10th best penalty kill unit. Their goalkeepers have been outstanding. They are more balanced and defensively able than before. The team is looking good going into the holiday break. It's a far cry from where they were. If their goalkeeping holds up, they could be a contender in the postseason. For now, the team needs to focus on their defensive play. There are still some questions about their power play, but it's not a big concern. Toronto's goalies have saved more goals than Ilya Sorokin on Long Island.

Toronto Maple Leafs are a balanced contender.